Deputies seek clues in victim's murder

A Goldsboro man was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on U.S. 70 East near Long's Plant Farm Road Tuesday evening.

The body of 47-year-old Andy Melvin Anderson, who lived in a home along the highway, was found dead in the median along U.S. 70 near the Elroy Volunteer Fire Department, officials said.

Wayne County Sheriff's Office Chief Detective George Raecher said he received a call about 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, alerting authorities to Anderson's body. Deputies and Elroy firefighters responded to the scene and recovered the victim.

That's when the search for the hit-and-run driver began.

Units of the N.C. Highway Patrol also responded to the chilling scene and quickly began scouring the area for clues.

Officials now know why Anderson was in the area, but they are still unsure who committed the crime, which occurred about 7:45 p.m., Trooper Sgt. B.W. Overton said.

"Based on our investigation, he was carrying some beer," Overton said. "We now believe he was leaving his house with the beer to take it to another location."

Anderson was crossing over the median when he was struck by the unknown hit-and-run driver.

Paint chips and glass fragments were found at the scene, leaving officials with little evidence to track down the suspect.

"Our suspect vehicle, we don't know what kind it is, but it is a white vehicle and it should have damage to the headlight and headlight assembly," Overton said. "And based on our experience, it would possibly have some windshield damage."

Highway patrol officials are anxious to track down the responsible party, but they admit it's going to take help from the community to solve the case.

"We're getting some tips, but we're going to need some help from the public," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Overton or Trooper R.D. Carraway at the State Highway Patrol at 731-7960.